Guernsey’s Guille-Allès Library has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Library of the Year award, part of the British Book Awards 2025, recognizing its exceptional work with children and young people, BBC News reports.
The library, based in St Peter Port, is one of four finalists from the South West region. It was nominated for its Summer Reading Challenge, an initiative that encouraged children to read six books over the summer holidays. The program saw an impressive 1,800 children, around 35% of Guernsey’s 3 to 11-year-olds, take part, helping to sustain literacy levels during the school break.
Jodie Hearn, Head of Children and Young People Services at the library, expressed excitement over the nomination, highlighting the collective efforts of the entire team.
“The library is not just about books; it’s a crucial community space,” Hearn told the BBC. “Reading is important for health and wellbeing, and we aim to inspire a love of reading in children.”
The Library of the Year Award celebrates institutions that go beyond traditional roles, fostering a love for reading and making a lasting impact on their communities. According to the BBC, the regional winners will be announced on 12 March 2025, with the overall winner revealed at a ceremony on 12 May 2025.
Source: BBC News